Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with fork. Sprinkle with crushed candy cane. Serve warm with ice cream if desired.

Note: Butterscotch candy canes also make this a delight. Personally, I like it better but it's just not as festive, is it?

Lindsay Below writes young adult and middle grade fiction. Her young adult science-fiction novel, Lurkers is due for release from MuseItUp on July 1st, 2011, followed shortly by her middle grade novel, Same Old Lie. Visit her online at www.lbelow.net.